Fear spread across Ayetoro Kiri community in Kogi State on Sunday after gunmen stormed a church service and abducted several worshippers.

The attack occurred on December 14, 2025, at the First ECWA Church in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area. Local accounts said the assailants arrived while worship was ongoing and immediately opened fire to cause panic.

As gunshots rang out, many congregants fled for safety. Others were reportedly overpowered and taken away by the attackers, who later escaped through nearby bush paths.

Residents described the scene as chaotic, saying the usually calm community was gripped by fear as the incident unfolded. While the exact number of abducted worshippers is still being verified, sources confirmed that no fewer than 20 people were taken.

Reports earlier in the day indicated that one worshipper, identified only as JayJay, was killed during the attack. Several others were said to have sustained injuries as they scrambled to escape.

The incident has renewed concerns over the deteriorating security situation in parts of Kogi State, especially in rural communities where attacks on villages and places of worship have become increasingly frequent.

This assault is the second church attack recorded in Okun land within weeks. On November 30, 2025, armed men invaded a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area, abducting a cleric known as Orlando alongside about 13 worshippers.

In that earlier incident, the attackers reportedly demanded ₦500 million in ransom, later lowering the sum to ₦200 million, and issued threats when the deadline approached.

Community members also recalled that Ayetoro Kiri was attacked roughly three weeks ago when gunmen targeted a local school. 

On that occasion, a local vigilante group successfully repelled the attackers, preventing casualties and abductions.

Residents are now calling for urgent security reinforcement to protect lives, places of worship, and public facilities across the area.